FIRING rockets, blowing up teddy bears and making Lego robots have been getting thousands of children excited about science in Bradford.

As part of the month-long Bradford Science Festival more than 3,000 school pupils spent three days at workshops including Science Sleuths, Dr Death’s Medi-Evil Medicine Show and Why Does the Toast Always Land Butter Side Down?

The sessions, held across the city at venues including The University of Bradford, Bradford College and The National Media Museum, are designed to get youngsters enthusiastic about learning.

Festival director Helen Barraclough said the response had been "amazing".

"I've just been blown away by it," she said.

"We've got a school from Doncaster who say 'we're coming every year' and they want to keep coming.

"Because schools now don't have that practical science in class, they come here and try it and it's just amazing."

The lessons and interactive shows , for seven to 13 year olds, have included leaning about programming by making Lego robots, solving crimes to explore the technology used by crime-fighting sleuths and "blowing all sorts of things up, but in a good way".

"Our presenters are all professionals and they're really great at getting children excited. It just raises the profile of science."

The festival runs throughout October and includes events for schools, educators, adults, families and businesses.

Tomorrow, families are invited to the university to join in numerous activities, mainly in the Atrium.

Organisers promise fascinating activities, including hands-on exhibits and entertaining presentations showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A spokesman said: "The whole family will find something to enjoy, be inspired and amazed by.

"There'll be lots to see, do, find out and make including talks and workshops with scientists and researchers, Lego challenges, a nature trail with bird feeder making, giant maths puzzles, and strange goings on in “alchemy corner” – where chemistry will come alive.

"Dress up as an astronaut or scientist, get up close and personal with birds of prey or have a go at saving the life of iStan our patient simulator."

And next weekend, on October 25, families are invited to join the festival in across the city centre when City Park will be turned into a big lab with installations, hands on activities, workshops and performances.

Mrs Barraclough said a spooky Halloween finale was also being planned.